Games aren't won on paper.
But if they were, it sure looks like Bishop McDevitt would be the sure-fire champ in Pennsylvania's largest classification, Class AAAA.
The Harrisburg school is loaded from top to bottom with more than 10 Division I prospects on the roster. But that's why you line teams up on the gridiron and let them settle it there.
Here is a look at the preseason top 5 in the state of Pennsylvania;
1. Bishop McDevitt
When you have more than 10 Division I recruits on your roster, the bulls-eye is placed on your back. Welcome to the world of Bishop McDevitt football as the team earned a top 25 preseason ranking in MaxPreps Xcellent 25. Matt Johnson threw for 2,000 yards as a sophomore, and he has three Division I prospects at receiver: Salath Williams, Jeremy Cornelius and Aaron Sye. Junior back Jameel Poteat ran for more than 1,300 yards. And that doesn't include Noah Spence on the line. McDevitt could very well be playing in Hershey come December
2. Bethlehem Liberty
There's an old saying that you are the No. 1 team until someone knocks you down. Well, the defending Class AAAA champs start out at No. 2 this season, but still have high expectations of defending its crown. The team welcomes back state player of the year Anthony Gonzalez, who can make anything happen. The question is how quickly the offensive line becomes experienced.
Kyle Smith, Lancaster Catholic
Photo by Richard Rector
LaSalle College could be one of the surprises come the end of the 2009 season. The Explorers, an early favorite in the Philadelphia Catholic League, returns a bulk of its high-powered offense. Back is Division I prospect, quarterback Drew Loughery, who threw for almost 2,400 yards in 2008 with 25 scores. Also returning is tailback Jamal Abdur-Rahman (877 rushing yards) and receiver Sam Feleccia (866 yards)
4. Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson lost a lot from last year's state Class AAA championship squad. How do you bounce back after losing names like Brian Baldridge, Tyler Wehner, Brock Decicco and Danny Virgin? Every year, the WPIAL school finds a way. The team does return several top standouts, including defensive back Steven Licht and wide receiver Jim Giasante.
5. Lancaster Catholic
Lancaster Catholic appears to be the early favorite in Class AA. The team returns a good nucleus of the offense from 2008, including quarterback Kyle Smith who threw for almost 3,200 yards and 43 touchdowns. Also back is 1,000-yard rusher Jordan Stewart and top receiver Tyler Purvis.
Tom Fox is Sports Editor of the Lock Haven (Pa.) Express and covers Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania. He can be reached at tfox@lockhaven.com
